Casey Statement on John Kerry’s Confirmation As Secretary of State

Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on Senator John Kerry’s confirmation as Secretary of State:

“I am proud to cast my vote in support of John Kerry’s nomination to serve as Secretary of State. Senator Kerry has always answered our nation’s call to duty – in the Vietnam war as a young Navy Lieutenant and decorated hero; in Massachusetts as a skilled prosecutor and as Lieutenant Governor; and in the United States Senate as a leader on the Foreign Relations Committee. In some respects, Senator Kerry has been preparing for this role as a statesman his whole life. During this critical time in world affairs, we need able diplomats capable of navigating complicated relationships in pursuit of U.S. interests. Senator Kerry acutely understands these challenges. He has deep relationships with key leaders all over the world and is well positioned to hit the ground running on day one. Finally, I am grateful that during his confirmation hearing, Senator Kerry underscored his work on some of the foreign policy priorities that we both share – combatting the proliferation of roadside bombs in Afghanistan, and supporting the plight of women and girls in that country. I look forward to working with him in his new role on these issues. I appreciate Senator Kerry’s willingness to once again answer his country’s call to duty and look forward to working closely with him on a host of foreign policy challenges facing our country.”